Thomas Gould
Question:281. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of drones currently allowed to operate drone delivery services in the State. [16245/26]
View answerTuesday, 3 March 2026
Questions (281, 282, 283, 284)
Thomas Gould
Question:282. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport whether he approves licences for drone delivery services. [16247/26]
View answerThomas Gould
Question:283. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the regulations that exist for drone delivery services. [16249/26]
View answerThomas Gould
Question:284. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport the number of complaints received about drone delivery services in 2025. [16251/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 281, 282, 283 and 284 together.
From an aviation safety perspective, the regulation of both the recreational and commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones, is provided for under European Union regulations that are directly applicable in Ireland.
Two regulations, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, set out common rules for the regulation of drones and drone operators, including training, licensing and registration.
• Regulation 2019/947 sets operational rules that apply to both professional drone operators and those flying drones for leisure.
• Regulation 2019/945 sets the common EU-wide technical requirements for drones, the features and capabilities that drones must have in order to be flown safely. This regulation also seeks to foster investment and innovation in this sector, through a harmonised framework across the European Union.
The aim of the EU UAS regulations is to achieve the same level of safety for UAS operations as in manned aviation. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation and enforcement of the EU drone regulations and standards.
These EU UAS regulations are operation centric and focus on the risk of operations, i.e. the requirements for low-risk operations are less onerous than for higher risk operations. Under the EU regulatory regime, UAS operations are categorised under three broad types – Open, Specific and Certified - with different regulatory considerations applied across each type.
Commercial UAS operations, such as UAS delivery operations, are more closely regulated. These type of commercial UAS operation falls into the medium risk “specific” category and require specific authorisation by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). This type of authorisation is recognised in all EU Member States. To obtain an operational authorisation, an operator must provide a comprehensive safety portfolio which includes assessing and addressing both ground and air risks with appropriate mitigations.
In addition to complying with UAS drone regulations, drone operators must also comply with national laws, including environmental, planning and privacy laws
My Department has received correspondence from individuals, communities and public representatives raising concerns mainly in respect of privacy and noise nuisance in relation to UAS delivery operations.
The Government, aware that the impact of a growing UAS sector needed further consideration, included in the Programme for Government a commitment to guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector in Ireland. The Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems which was published in August 2025 sets out a number of structures and actions that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing UAS usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging drone sector. It aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities. This will include ensuring that appropriate authorities have the required regulatory powers and that they have mechanisms in place to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are taken into account. Implementation of the Policy Framework is underway.
Question No. 282 answered with Question No. 281.
Question No. 283 answered with Question No. 281.
Question No. 284 answered with Question No. 281.